Extensible load lifting frame

ABSTRACT

A telescopic lifting frame or spreader for enaging, lifting and transporting freight containers by means of van carriers, lift trucks, and the like, having a longitudinal coaxial telescopic beam structure extensible the distance of about twice its collapsed length and having freight container corner casting engaging hooks which engage from the sides of the container. Opposed spreader beams are telescopical coaxially in and out of each other and are supported from and telescoped in a fixed center beam. When associated with a van carrier machine frames are provided for connecting the spreader to the side frames of the carrier for guided elevation relative thereto, as well as for guiding, skewing and side shifting of the spreader in the bay of the carrier and means compensating for carrier side frame deflection. In addition, positive locking means engages beam structure at various selectable lengths thereof, and an interior beam extension structure is connected to the opposed beam ends in a manner to provide a minimum collapsed length of the lifting frame or spreader for the maximum available extended length thereof.

Apr. 1, 1975 Primary Examiner-Evon C. Blunk Assistant Examiner-Johnny D. Cherry Attorney, Agent, or Firm-John C. Wiessler ABSTRACT A telescopic lifting frame or spreader for enaging, lifting and transporting freight containers by means of van carriers, lift trucks, and the like, having a longitudinal coaxial telescopic beam structure extensible the distance of about twice its collapsed length and having freight container corner casting engaging hooks which engage from the sides of the container. Opposed spreader beams are telescopical coaxially in and out of each other and are supported from and telescoped in a fixed center beam. When associated with a van carrier machine frames are provided for connecting the spreader to the side frames of the carrier for guided 23 Claims, 13 Drawing Figures Inventor: Wynand M. J. M. Goyarts, 232

Chapel Hill Dr., Battle Creek, Mich. 49015 Assignee: Clark Equipment Company, Buchanan, Mich.

Nov. 20, 1972 [21] App]. No.: 308,216

294/81 SF, 214/394, 294/67 DA Int. B66c l/00 Field of Search........... 294/67 R, 67 D, 67 DA, 294/67 DB, 67 BC, 81 R, 81 SF; 212/14, 46 B; 214/75 R, 75 H, 390, 392, 394, 396, 621

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS United States Patent Goyarts EXTENSIBLE LOAD LIFTING FRAME [22] Filed:

F2 4 l 4 F S9 9 2 9 S inmommmn 1 84/4/4/4 8 11/1414141 5/ 8 2929292 /9 .2 2 2 9 42 n u m m 0 2 w u u U U u N u n n u A W um u n u c n a N rfl uthm mnm o m mm eow n c C a n2 t/ f ICC 2 Ww m kc uha m m 7% r \J I oowMmm o m m HBGZTBSWG G S T ar u 367000 2 A9 6 666777777 6 999999999 9 111111111 1 N/ FATENTED APR 1 SHEET 0f EXTENSIBLE LOAD LIFTING FRAME BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The field of art to which the invention relates is known as containerization. and more particularly to lifting frames or spreaders for handling containers in association with one or another kind of vehicle.

The present invention is concerned with a type of spreader capable of handling a variety of types and sizes of cargo-containers which. as a complex of containers and container handling equipment in the transportation industry. has become to be known containerization. This term embraces the concept of transporting freight packed in large crane or vehicle portable containers from the shippers dock to the consignees dock by any type of carrier, or by different carriers, without intermediate opening of the containers or any handling of the goods in less than container load quantities.

A desirable pick-up arrangement for a container resides in cooperating construction of a container and a spreader which enables coupling of the container and the spreader at the extreme upper corners of the container. Heretofore coupling has generally been at the extreme corner sections of the upper horizontal surface ofthe container by means ofconnecting means. known as twistlocks." which project downwardly from the four corners of the spreader.

Differences in cargo-container lengths have necessitated either the use of independent spreaders of different sizes or of an expansible spreader capable of adjustment to various lengths, for use with straddle carrier type vehicles, lift trucks or crane equipment capable of engaging and transporting by means of the spreader such cargo-containers. e.g., at freight terminals at which the capability for receiving all available types and sizes of containers for delivery or forwarding further along respective routes of shipment is important. Differences in container lengths have been adopted to accommodate inevitable differences in the size of shipments, the size of carriers. and other factors, in order to contribute flexibility and economy to the handling of freight. particularly in view of standardization of the height and width of all such containers.

Various length containers are manufactured by different manufacturers which have adopted independent and non-standard corner receptacle constructions which have resulted in certain disadvantages of present spreader designs. To illustrate. containers of 20, 30 and 40 feet in length are made by one manufacturer, 24 foot containers are made by a second manufacturer, and 35 foot containers are made by a third manufacturer. Each of these types of container has a different corner receptacle design which, until recently, was adapted to receive only one of various types of top-lift coupling devices. In the latter respect a universal coupling device for the purpose of engaging any such different corner receptacles is disclosed and claimed in my copending application Ser. No. 179,739, filed Sept. 13. 197]. now US. Pat. No. 3,762,754, common assignee.

Various types of spreader units have been proposed. one of which utilizes a master and slave" spreader such as shown in US. Pat. No. 3,493,258, or a longitudinally adjustable single spreader assembly such as shown in US. Pat. No. 3,558,176, or as has been available from the assignee of the present application identified by its Part No. 2302039. Various other kinds of container handling equipment and vehicles are pictured and discussed in an article in Container News, February, 1971. A spreader of some relevance therein identified beginning at the bottom of page 22 is associated with a van carrier which is manufactured in the United States by Star'Iron and Steel Company. On page 27 of Contuinerizulion International, November, 1970, is illustrated a similar van carrier and spreader in an ad vertisement of Rubery Owen and Co. Ltd. The Rubery Owen and Star Iron and Steel spreaders generally comprise two sliding beams, offset from the centerline of the container in side-by-side relation, and which can accommodate containers from 20 to 40 feet in length. The transverse end beams are pivoted but restrained by rubber blocks from rotating and utilize the well-known container top pick-up twistlock feature.

In general, prior spreader designs, except for the Rubery Owen and Star Iron and Steel designs. have tended to be bulky, complex, costly, and relatively inflexible in respect of capability of coupling with different container corner casting configurations, to an extent that in many cases separate fixed lifting frame units of a non-telescopic type are inventoried by users to be associated with the carrier or other transport vehicles as and when required for the handling of a particular container type. The Rubery Owen and like designs carry a loaded container in longitudinal eccentric relation to each side-by-side extensible beam requiring adjustment means to counteract such eccentric loading as is inherent in the construction. In addition, it is capable of top pick-up only, thereby requiring a variety of coupling devices for use with various spreaders, as discussed above in respect of the various container corner casting designs.

SUMMARY My invention comprises an improved spreader frame of relatively simple construction, low cost and minimum bulk, providing maximum flexibility in engaging and transporting a wide variety of container types including container pick-up capability in relation to a variety of corner casting configurations. It is therefore a primary object of the invention to provide a relatively simple and low cost spreader frame having greater flexibility than heretofore to handle a variety of existing container types now in use.

An important object is to provide coaxial telescopic spreader frame means capable of extension to engage containers of at least twice the length of containers engageable at full retraction of the spreader frame means.

Another object is to provide a generally improved spreader from structure, including improved adjustment and safety devices associated therewith.

Other objects and features of the invention will become apparent to persons skilled in the art in view of the detailed specification which follows.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIG. 1 is a perspective view from above the rear quarter portion ofa van carrier vehicle using my invention;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of the front portion of the spreader frame and van carrier as shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged plan view of the rear end of the spreader frame showing one of the transverse truss and beam structures which is connected adjacent each end of the center beam structure and which connects the spreader to the sides of the van carrier frame;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the spreader frame shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is an end view taken along line 55 in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken along line 66 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is a broken-away sectional view of a central portion of the beam structure shown in a relationship with the beams fully extended;

FIG. 8 is a sectional view taken along line 8-8 of FIG. 7;

FIGS. 9A and 9B are diagrammatic side views of the spreader showing the relationship of the members both in fully collapsed and fully extended positions;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the top portion of a container utilizing corner coupling receptacles of one exemplary design; and

FIGS. 11 and 12 are enlarged partial views of one corner of containers utilizing corner coupling receptacles of two other exemplary designs.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring now in detail to the drawings. a straddle type van carrier is illustrated generally at numeral 10 having an open bay formed between a pair of longitudinally extending parallel side frame constructions l2 and 14 secured together at the rear ends by a transverse frame from which is suitably supported a rearwardly cantilevered operators platform 16 having an operators station 18 and an engine and transmission compartment 20 located thereon. The power train components are suitably connected to a pair of steeringdriving rear wheels 22 through a differential drive chain and sprocket mechanism, not shown. Additional pairs of dirigible wheels 26 and 28 are mounted upon each side frame in tandem relationship. Two pairs of longitudinally spaced hydraulic cylinder and telescopic upright assemblies and 52 are mounted in opposite end portions of the U-shaped bay formed by the side and end frame assemblies of the vehicle, and are connected in pairs as shown to the opposite ends of each of a pair of transversely extending lifting arches 54 and 56 located in opposite end portions of the vehicle frame for vertical movement with the hydraulic cylinder and upright assemblies 50 and 52.

A spreader frame assembly shown generally at numeral 58 is suspended in the U-shaped vehicle frame from lifting arches 54 and 56 by suitable chain and sprocket mechanism or cables and sheaves 57 and 59 located adjacent each cylinder and upright assembly 50 and 52 and which include a pair of longitudinally spaced. transversely extending guide and skew frame assemblies 60 and 60 for mounting the spreader frame for guided vertical side shifting and skewing movement in the van carrier side frames. Pairs of transversely extending lifting beams 64 and 64' are secured to and extend outwardly of the ends of a longitudinal center beam 74. Extension of the spreader frame is represented in FIG. 1 by three longitudinally spaced positions of opposite transverse beam ends 66 and 68, as illustrated, said beam ends being connected to longitudinally extending coaxial telescopic beam assemblies 70 and 72 nested in relation to each other and to the central main support beam 74 in a manner to be described. The beam assemblies and 72 and the beam ends 66 and 68 also comprise parts of the spreader frame which is actuatable vertically in the carrier frame from a near ground level position to substantially the maximum design elevation of the lifting arches 54 and 56 at a 2:1 lifting ratio in relation to the lifting arches.

The construction of the van carrier 10 is not a part of this invention, except as it may be a functional combination with the spreader frame to be described below, and so need not be described in further detail herein. The assignee of this application manufactures various models of such vehicles, and one such model is, with modifications, disclosed in greater detail in U.S. Pat. No. 3,344,940; it may be ofa configuration as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. D. 202,494.,

It should be understood that the spreader frame construction to be described below is disclosed in combination with a van carrier vehicle herein only as exemplary of one manner of using the invention. It may as well be combined with other kinds of container handling vehicles, as pointed out above, such as cranes and lift trucks. For example, in commonly assigned application Ser. No. 206,354, filed Dec. 9, 1971, there is disclosed a spreader frame being used as an attachment on lift trucks.

Referring now to the spreader frame structure per se.

major components are shown in FIGS. 2-8, guide and skew frame assemblies 60 and 60' being mounted and guided at the opposite ends of each such assembly in vertically extending pairs of channel guide assemblies 76 and 76, which are assembled in the side frame assemblies 12 and 14 of the carrier, by means of pairs of slide blocks 78 and 78'. As explained above the range of containers as currently available through different manufacturers vary in length from 20 to 40 feet, and the embodiment herein as illustrated is extensible to engage any length container between a fully telescoped condition of the spreader frame, in whichit is adapted to span and engage a 20 foot container, to a maximum extended length of 40 feet. as illustrated in FIGS. 9A and 9B. Of course the design may vary to suit different container length ranges as may be adopted in the industry from time to time.

In order to make possible the full double length extension while at the same time retaining beam 70 in operative and aligned relation with beam 72 I have provided a novel link connected extension beam portion 80 of beam 72 which is connected at its sides to the main body of beam 72 by a pair of links 82, as shown in detail in FIGS. 7 and 8. The extension member 80 of beam 72 includes a pair of slots 84 at each side thereof which engage connector pins 86 on each link member 82 so that with beam member 70 telescoped fully within'beam 72, as in FIG. 9A, the extension beam portion 80 is in endwise abutment with its connected main beam 72. A pair of opposed hydraulic actuator doubleacting cylinders 88 and 90 are anchored on opposite sides and at opposite ends of main fixed beam 74 and are connected to respective ones of extensible end beam 66 and 68. Full opposed extension of cylinders 88 and 90 actuates end beam 66 and 68 outwardly in opposite directions with axial opposed extension of beams 70 and 72 from central main support beam 74 extending the beams from the FIG. 9A to the FIG. 9B position, the extension portion 80 of beam 72 being actuated in one direction or the other to the positions illustrated in FIGS. 9A and 98 by the actuator cylinders functioning through the pin connections 86 and slots 84 from fully collapsed to fully extended relation.

It will be understood, of course, that the use of the beam extension device of FIGS. 7 and 8 may apply, as well to telescopic side beams of rectangular type spreader frames well-known in the prior art, as well as to the center preferred telescopic beam construction herein described. I

The extensible beams 70 and 72 are preferably rolle mounted from side to side one with respect to the other in order to provide side support and to minimize resistance to extension and retraction thereof by means of pairs of rollers 92 mounted to rotate on vertical axes in pairs of brackets 94 which are secured at opposite ends of outer main beam 74 so to abut the sides of beams 70 and 72 as viewed in FIGS. 2 and 6. Vertical support is provided by means of slide strips mounted from the top and bottom plates of the outer ends of outer beam 74, as shown at one end in FIG. 6 by members 95, and mounted from the top and bottom plates of the inner ends of beams 70 and 72, as shown at numerals 96, 97 and 98 in FIG. 7.

, The upper member 95 in FIG. 6 comprises a portion of a frame 99 of an extension lock mechanism 100 which is utilized to selectively lock beam 70 in position in relation to beam 74 by means ofa hydraulic cylinder actuator 102 operating a locking pin 104 through a bellcrank 106. The bellcrank is pivoted at 108 to a transverse bracket construction 110 mounted from the upper outer end of beam 74 and having a spring 112 urging said locking pin in a clockwise direction, as viewed in FIG. 6, in which it engages any selected one of a plurality of longitudinally spaced openings 114 in the upper plate of beam 70. The openings 114 are spaced so as to permit the beam 70 to be locked in any selected position of extension or retraction which corresponds to the various available container lengths which the spreader frame is adapted to engage. Beam 72 may be similarly mounted in beam 74, as shown generally in FIG. 2, from the opposite end thereof by an extension lock device 100' which is similar to device 100.

The detailed construction of the one end portion of the spreader frame assembly when in a collapsed condition is best shown in plan view in FIG. 4. The opposite end portion is shown partially extended in perspective view in FIGS. 2 and 3, wherein similar parts are numbered the same as in FIG. 4, but include a prime designation as heretofore. The parts at one end only as shown in FIG. 4 will be referred to below, it being understood that the prime numbered parts in FIGS. 2 and 3 are also intended. Guide and skew beam 60 comprises a central rectangular frame 116 strengthened by a plurality of truss members 118 from the opposite ends of which are secured a pair of transversely extending generally L-shaped support members 120 at the terminal ends ofeach ofwhich is secured a transverse hollow cylindrical sleeve 122 in each of which is mounted on elongated bolt having mounted at the outer end a slide block 78 which is secured thereto by a pin 126 which extends through the bolt and into each portion of each slide block. In the one sleeve 122 on one side is utilized a relatively short bolt 124 having secured thereto disc elements 128 which tightly abut the ends ofthat sleeve 122 so as to maintain the connected bolt 124 in rigid relation to the sleeve element. In other sleeve 122 on the other side is located a relatively long bolt 130 which otherwise is constructed and mounted similarly to the bolt 124, but which iscapable of adjustment for deflection of the side frame 12 and 14 of the van carrier as a result of the available relative movement provided for between long bolt and its sleeve 122. Central frame 116 of guide and skew beam 60 extends through an opening 134 in a guide structure 132 which is secured on top of the one end of central beam 74 (frame 116 extends through opening 134 at the opposite end). This provides the main connection of the guide and skew beam assembly to the lift frame 64, 70, 72, 74. Guide structure 132 is secured as by welding to the upper plate of beam 74, longitudinal connector plates 136 thereof being bolted to the edges of the transverse plates, as shown.

The pair of outwardly extending lift arms 64 being secured at the ends to a van carrier by pairs of lifting chains or cables 57 and 59, respectively, is secured by coupling blocks 140 having outwardly extending stub shafts located in grooved bifurcated brackets 142, the cables and blocks being readily detachable for maintenance and the like following the removal of bolted on plate members 144. Longitudinal openings 146 and 146' are provided in opposite diagonally disposed ones of lifting arms 64 and 64' through which extend extension cylinders 88 and 90, respectively. The cylinder base ends ofthese cylinders are pivotally secured to opposite end portions of beam 74 by brackets 148 (FIG. 10 and 148 (FIG. 4), the rod ends being pivotally connected by yokes 150 and 150' to end beams 66 and 68, respectively, by connector plates 152 and 152. The hydraulic system, not shown, may be of a conventional design and includes means to actuate extension cylinders 88 and 90 simultaneously in either direction to extend and retract the extension beams 70 and 72 as previously discussed.

The lifting beam assembly, including pairs of extension arms 64 and 64' may be side shifted laterally in either direction or actuated in a manner to skew the assembly in either direction in relation to the van carrier container bay and the guide and skew frames 60 and 60', by means of a pair of double-acting cylinders 156 and 156' which extend transversely of the lifting beam assembly and are mounted from opposite end portions of center beam 74. Cylinder 156 is pivotally secured at the cylinder end to a vertically extending bracket means 160, which is secured to the adjacent extension arm 64, by means of a pin and bracket assembly 158. The rod end is similarly connected by a pin and bracket assembly 162 to a longitudinal bracket 164 which connects the rod end to the opposite one side of skew frame 60. Cylinder 156 is similarly mounted at the opposite end of beam 74 as indicated by similar prime numerals. Actuation of these cylinders from the rod end of one and the head end of the other will actuate the lifting beam and extension arm assembly on chains or cables 57 and 59 in a counterclockwise direction as viewed in FIG. 1, and actuation of the cylinders at the opposite ends will, of course, actuate said assembly in a clockwise direction. Side shifting of said assembly is effected by actuating the said cylinders from the same ends thereof, i.e., the rod ends of both cylinders or the head ends thereof. All of said lifting beam assembly motions are available to adjust the assembly in relation to a container to be engaged without maneuvering the vehicle for final adjustment prior to engagement, and all such adjustments occur in relation to the fixed relative positions of guide and skew frames 60 and 60' as the beam assembly moves with guide frames 132 and 132' relative to the guide and skew frames in'openings 134 and 134.

Referring to FIG. 5, I show one of four side hook assembly container engagement means mounted within the one side of end beam 66, the other side hook assemblies being mounted in the other end portion of end beam 66 and in each end portion of end beam 68. The hook assemblies are together adapted to engage from the side any one of a plurality of container corner casting/configurations, such as shown in FIGS. 10-12 at numerals 170, 172 and 174 having side openings 176, 178 and 180. It is optional to utilize in the alternative conventional twistlock engagement means for securing containers from the top openings of the corner castings, as shown at numerals 182, 184 and 186, or by a universal container top engagement means as is disclosed and claimed in my copending application Ser. No. 179.739, filed Sept. l3, 1971.

The disclosed form of container engagement or coupling means comprises at each corner of the spreader frame a downwardly depending dog member 190 which functions as a locating guide and registers with the top openings 182, 184, 186 of the exemplary corner casting designs of various containers as shown. The exemplary coupler or hook assembly 192 is mounted in beam end 66 with the hook member 194 extending downwardly and inwardly through an opening 196 in a protective cover 198. A pin member 200 extends through the hook and is cradled in top edge grooves of a bifurcated bracket 202, which is mounted from the bottom plate of each end beam portion. The hook member 194 may be pivoted in and out on pin 200 by a small doubleacting cylinder 204 pivotally connected to the upper end of the hook at 206 and supported from a bracket 208.

The side openings of the various corner castings shown in FIGS. 10-12 are not in the same relative positions. one with respect to the others, so that the hooks must be capable of upward movement from the position shown in FIG. 5 in order to properly engage or disengage certain containers. This movement is accomplished by means of an arm 210 pivotably mounted from an upstanding bracket 212 at the one end and to pin 200 at the opposite end so that with the hook mounted to engage in its full down position the lowermost corner casting opening, the surface 214 is adapted to function as a camming surface for engaging corner casting openings located somewhat above the aforementioned. Thus, proper engagement and disengagement may be effected as the camming surfaces of the respective hook members actuate the respective hook assembly and actuator cylinders upwardly with pivotal movement (clockwise of arm member 210 as seen in FIG. 5).

It is believed that my invention is a significant advance in the art. and that the essential concept is subject to many variations and modifications in design in addition to the exemplary embodiment herein disclosed, all without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. My coaxial telescopic beam assembly for handling container size loads is believed to be essentially new, as well as such sub-units combined therewith as the guide and skew frame, the universal side coupler hook means, the supplementary main beam extension device for maximizing beam extension for a given collapsed length, and other features of my design.

It is contemplated that many changes may be made in the form and relative arrangement of parts, including substitutions. additions and omissionswithout necessarily departing from the scope of the invention. Furthermore, the invention is applicable with certain modifications to a variety of other vehicle types, such as by attachment to lift trucks or gantry cranes. Some of such modifications would involve significant design changes, such as the elimination of the guide and skew frame, without departing from' other important aspects of the invention. 1 therefore do not intend to be limited except as defined in the following claims.

I claim:

1. A telescopic spreader frame for handling cargo containers of different lengths which have latch receiving receptacles in the upper corner portions thereof, comprising a hollow fixed outer center beam, a hollow intermediate beam telescoped in the center beam, a hollow inner beam telescoped in the intermediate beam, said beams being substantially coaxial, said intermediate and inner beams being extensible away from each other out of opposite ends of said center beam, an end beam secured adjacent the outer end of each of said intermediate and inner beams which extends laterally outwardly substantially equal distances.

in opposite directions from each of said intermediate and inner beams, latching means adjacent each end of each end beam for engaging the respective latch receiving receptacles of a cargo container, actuator means connected to each of said intermediate and inner beams for selectively extending and retracting the latter beams to engage the latching means of the end beams with a cargo container of any of a plurality of selected lengths, said actuator means comprising oppositely extending hydraulic cylinder means each being connected at its one end to a side of the center beam and at its opposite end to a respective lateral side portion of opposite ones of said end beams, transversely extending lifting beams mounted fixedly from opposite end portions of said fixed center beam, and lifting means connected to each lifting beam at opposite end portions thereof for elevating said spreader frame, said actuator cylinder means being located in the horizontal plane of said telescopic beams.

2. A telescopic spreader frame as claimed in claim 1 wherein longitudinally spaced openings are provided in each the intermediate and inner beams, and selectively actuatable locking means mounted on the center beam for engaging selective ones of said openings for locking the spreader frame in a predetermined telescoped position.

3. A spreader frame as claimed in claim 1 wherein each end portion of each end beam is hollow and houses said latching means which includes a laterally inwardly directed hook means extending below the end beam and movable arcuately in a direction longitudinal of the end beam, said latch receiving receptacles having access openings in respective sides of the container for receiving said hook means, and means for thus actuating said hook means arcuately.

4. A spreader frame as claimed in claim 3 wherein each of said hook means is mounted for limited vertical movement as well as arcuate movement in relation to the respective beam end, such vertical movement being effected by abutment with a container receptacle during engagement with the access opening thereof, said access openings being variable in configuration in different cargo containers.

5. A spreader frame as claimed in claim 1 in combination with a cargo container handling vehicle comprising a horizontally extending U-shaped frame, a pair of transversely spaced hoist motor means mounted upon opposite legs of the U-shaped frame at each end portion thereof, lifting arch means connecting the mo tors-of each such pair of hoist motor means above the U-shaped frame for elevation therewith. said spreader frame being connected to said lifting arch means and to said hoist motor means for elevation in the U-shaped frame, a transverse guide and skew frame connecting each end of the spreader frame to the side frames of the U-shaped frame for guiding verticalmovement therein of the spreader frame, and transversely extending motor means connecting each guide and skew frame to the spreader frame such that the latter frame is side shiftable and rotatable to a limited degree in a substantially horizontal plane within the U-shaped frame.

6. A spreader frame as claimed in claim 5, wherein means are provided for operatively connecting the inner ends of the intermediate and inner beams for in creasing the extensibility thereof by providing for a controlled separation of said inner ends to a predetermined axially spaced relation at full extension of the intermediate and inner beams.

7. A spreader frame as claimed in claim 1 wherein the spreader frame is elevatable between a pair of substantially parallel and longitudinally and vertically extending vehicular side frames by said lifting means and lifting beams, transverse guide and skew frame means connecting the spreader frame to said side frames for guiding vertical movement of the spreader frame in relation to the side frames, and transversely extending motor means connecting said guide and skew frame means to the spreader frame such that the latter frame is side shiftable and rotatable to a limited degree in a substantially horizontal plane between the side frames.

8. A spreader frame as claimed in claim 1 wherein actuator cylinder means are connected at their one ends to opposite side portions of the center beam and at their opposite ends to opposite lateral side portions of opposite ones of the end beams. said lifting beams being located at least partially in the horizontal plane of said center beam. and said actuator cylinder means being located in the horizontal plane of said center beam.

9. A spreader frame as claimed in claim 8 wherein said actuator cylinder means extend above at least a portion of respective ones of said lifting beams.

10. A spreader frame as claimed in claim 8 wherein said actuator cylinder means extend below at least a portion of respective ones of said lifting beams.

11. A spreader frame as claimed in claim 8 wherein said actuator cylinder means extend through respective ones of said lifting beams.

12. A spreader frame as claimed in claim 1 wherein one of said actuator cylinder means extends above at least a portion of one of said lifting beams and the other actuator cylinder means extendsbelow at least a portion of the other of said lifting beams.

13. A telescopic spreader frame for handling cargo containers of different lengths which have latch receiving receptacles in the upper corner portions thereof, comprising a hollow fixed outer center beam, a hollow intermediate beam telescoped in the center beam, a

hollow inner beam telescoped in the intermediate beam, said beams being substantially coaxial, said intermediate and inner beams being extensible away from each other out of opposite ends of said center beam, an end beam secured adjacent the outer end of each of said intermediate and inner beams which extends laterally outwardly in opposite directions from each of said intermediate and inner beams, latching means adjacent each end of each end beam for engaging the respective latch receiving receptacles ofa cargo container, actuator means connected to each of said intermediate and inner beams for selectively extending and retracting the latter beams to engage the latching means of the end beams with a cargo container of any one of a plurality of selected lengths, and means operatively connecting the inner ends of the intermediate and inner beams for increasing the controlled extensibility thereof by providing for a controlled separation of said inner ends to a predetermined axially spaced relation at full extension of the intermediate and inner beams.

14. A spreader frame as claimed in claim 13 wherein transversely extending lifting beams are mounted from opposite end portions of the center beam, and lifting means connected to each lifting beam for elevating said spreader frame, said actuator means including first and second actuators, the first of which is connected to the the center beam and to the intermediate beam through one of said lifting beams, and the second of which is connected to the center beam and to the inner beam through the other of said lifting beams.

15. In a van carrier vehicle having a horizontally extending U-shaped frame forming an open bay for embracing the load to be transported by the vehicle, a pair of transversely spaced hoist motors mounted upon op posite legs of the U-shaped frame in each end portion thereof, lifting arch means connecting the motors of each such pair of hoist motor means above the U- shaped frame for elevation therewith. a spreader frame embraced by the U-shaped frame and operatively connected to the lifting arch means for elevation therewith and with said hoist motor means and load lifting means depending from opposite end portions of the lifting frame, said spreader frame being movable downwardly with the lifting arch into a position atop container to be engaged wherein said lifting means are registrable in locking relation with upper portions of the container so that the container may be elevated within the U-shaped frame, a guide frame extending transversely through each end portion of the spreader frame and mounted in vertical guided relationship to the side frames of the U-shaped frame, and lost motion means connecting one side of each guide frame to the adjacent vehicle side frame such that lateral deflection of either vehicle side frame effects relative guided transverse movement between the said one side of the guide frame and the adjacent side frame, said lost motion means comprising shaft and sleeve means connecting the one side of the guide frame to the one vehicle side frame, the sleeve and shaft being relatively axially movable to compensate for side frame deflection.

16. Telescopic beam means comprising a hollow fixed outer center beam, a hollow intermediate beam telescoped in the center beam, a hollow inner beam telescoped in the intermediate beam, said intermediate and inner beams being extensible away from each other out of opposite ends of said center beam, actuator means for extending and retracting the intermediate and inner beams, and means operatively connecting the inner ends of the intermediate and inner beams for increasing extensibility of the beam assembly by permitting a controlled separation in an axial direction of said inner ends.

17. Telescopic beam means as claimed in claim 16 wherein said last-mentioned means includes a beam end connected to one of the telescopic beams which is movable axially in relation to said one beam such that at full extension of the inner and intermediate beams said beam end is spaced axially from said one beam while engaging the inner end of the other beam.

18. Telescopic beam means as claimed in claim 17 wherein the axial spacing of said last-mentioned means from said one beam decreases when the intermediate and inner beams are telescoped together, whereby to minimize the collapsed length of the beam means for a given full extended length thereof.

19. Telescopic beam means as claimed in claim 16 wherein said last'mentioned means includes a floating beam end portion axially separable from the inner end of said one beam while being engageable with the inner end of the other beam at full extension of the inner and intermediate beams.

20. Telescopic beam means as claimed in claim 19 wherein said floating beam end portion has a lost motion connection with said inner end of said one beam permitting such axial separation during extension of said inner and intermediate beams and closing said axial separation upon retraction of said latter beams.

21. A telescopic spreader frame for handling cargo containers of different lengths which have latch receiving receptacles inthe upper corner portions thereof, comprising a hollow fixed center beam, a hollow intermediate beam telescoped in the center beam, a hollow inner beam telescoped in the intermediate beam, said beams being substantially coaxial, said intermediate and inner beams being extensible away from each other out of opposite ends of said center beam, an end beam secured adjacent the outer end of each of said intermediate and inner beams which extends laterally outwardly in opposite directions from each of said intermediate and inner beams, latching means adjacent each end of each end beam for engaging the respective latch receiving receptacles of a cargo container, actuator means connected to each of said intermediate and inner beams for selectively extending and retracting the latter beams to engage the latching means of the end beams with a cargo container of any one of a plurality of selected lengths, and means operatively connecting the inner ends of the intermediate and inner beams for increasing extensibility of the beam assembly by permitting a controlled separation in an axial direction of said inner ends whereby at full extension of the inner and intermediate beams a floating beam end portion connected to one of the telescopic beams is movable axially in relation to said one beam such that at full extension of the inner and intermediate beams said floating beam end is spaced axially from said one beam.

22. A spreader frame as claimed in claim 21 wherein said floating beam end engages the inner end of the other beam when it is spaced axially from said one beam.

23. A telescopic spreader frame for handling cargo containers of different lengths which have latch receiving receptacles in the upper corner portions thereof, comprising a hollow fixed outer center beam, a hollow intermediate beam telescoped in the center beam, a hollow inner beam telescoped in the intermediate beam, said beams being substantially coaxial, said intermediate and inner beams being extensible away from each other out of opposite ends of said center beam, an end beam secured adjacent the outer end of each of said intermediate and inner beams which extends laterally outwardly in opposite directions from each of said intermediate and inner beams, latching means adjacent each end of each end beam for engaging the respective latch receiving receptacles of a cargo container, actuator means connected to each of said intermediate and inner beams for selectively extending and retracting the latter beams to engage the latching means of the end beams with a cargo container of any one of a plurality of selected lengths, transversely extending lifting beams mounted from opposite end portions of the center beam, and lifting means connected to each lifting beam for elevating said spreader frame, said actuator means including first and second actuators, the first of which is connected to the center beam and to the intermediate beam through one of said lifting beams, and the other of which is connected to the center beam and to the inner beam through the other Disclaimer 3,874,719.Wyn0md M. J. M. Gog arts, Battle Creek, Mich. EXTENSIBLE LOAD LIFTING FRAME. Patent dated Apr. 1, 1975. Disclaimer filed Apr. 2, 1976, by the assignee, Olafla Equipment Oompany. Hereby enters this disclaimer to claim 15 of said patent.

[Ofiioial Gazette June 1, 1976.] 

1. A telescopic spreader frame for handling cargo containers of different lengths which have latch receiving receptacles in the upper corner portions thereof, comprising a hollow fixed outer center beam, a hollow intermediate beam telescoped in the center beam, a hollow inner beam telescoped in the intermediate beam, said beams being substantially coaxial, said intermediate and inner beams being extensible away from each other out of opposite ends of said center beam, an end beam secured adjacent the outer end of each of said intermediate and inner beams which extends laterally outwardly substantially equal distances in opposite directions from each of said intermediate and inner beams, latching means adjacent each end of each end beam for engaging the respective latch receiving receptacles of a cargo container, actuator means connected to each of said intermediate and inner beams for selectively extending and retracting the latter beams to engage the latching means of the end beams with a cargo container of any of a plurality of selected lengths, said actuator means comprising oppositely extending hydraulic cylinder means each bEing connected at its one end to a side of the center beam and at its opposite end to a respective lateral side portion of opposite ones of said end beams, transversely extending lifting beams mounted fixedly from opposite end portions of said fixed center beam, and lifting means connected to each lifting beam at opposite end portions thereof for elevating said spreader frame, said actuator cylinder means being located in the horizontal plane of said telescopic beams.
 2. A telescopic spreader frame as claimed in claim 1 wherein longitudinally spaced openings are provided in each the intermediate and inner beams, and selectively actuatable locking means mounted on the center beam for engaging selective ones of said openings for locking the spreader frame in a predetermined telescoped position.
 3. A spreader frame as claimed in claim 1 wherein each end portion of each end beam is hollow and houses said latching means which includes a laterally inwardly directed hook means extending below the end beam and movable arcuately in a direction longitudinal of the end beam, said latch receiving receptacles having access openings in respective sides of the container for receiving said hook means, and means for thus actuating said hook means arcuately.
 4. A spreader frame as claimed in claim 3 wherein each of said hook means is mounted for limited vertical movement as well as arcuate movement in relation to the respective beam end, such vertical movement being effected by abutment with a container receptacle during engagement with the access opening thereof, said access openings being variable in configuration in different cargo containers.
 5. A spreader frame as claimed in claim 1 in combination with a cargo container handling vehicle comprising a horizontally extending U-shaped frame, a pair of transversely spaced hoist motor means mounted upon opposite legs of the U-shaped frame at each end portion thereof, lifting arch means connecting the motors of each such pair of hoist motor means above the U-shaped frame for elevation therewith, said spreader frame being connected to said lifting arch means and to said hoist motor means for elevation in the U-shaped frame, a transverse guide and skew frame connecting each end of the spreader frame to the side frames of the U-shaped frame for guiding vertical movement therein of the spreader frame, and transversely extending motor means connecting each guide and skew frame to the spreader frame such that the latter frame is side shiftable and rotatable to a limited degree in a substantially horizontal plane within the U-shaped frame.
 6. A spreader frame as claimed in claim 5, wherein means are provided for operatively connecting the inner ends of the intermediate and inner beams for increasing the extensibility thereof by providing for a controlled separation of said inner ends to a predetermined axially spaced relation at full extension of the intermediate and inner beams.
 7. A spreader frame as claimed in claim 1 wherein the spreader frame is elevatable between a pair of substantially parallel and longitudinally and vertically extending vehicular side frames by said lifting means and lifting beams, transverse guide and skew frame means connecting the spreader frame to said side frames for guiding vertical movement of the spreader frame in relation to the side frames, and transversely extending motor means connecting said guide and skew frame means to the spreader frame such that the latter frame is side shiftable and rotatable to a limited degree in a substantially horizontal plane between the side frames.
 8. A spreader frame as claimed in claim 1 wherein actuator cylinder means are connected at their one ends to opposite side portions of the center beam and at their opposite ends to opposite lateral side portions of opposite ones of the end beams, said lifting beams being located at least partially in the horizontal plane of said center beam, and said actuator cylinder means being located in the horizonTal plane of said center beam.
 9. A spreader frame as claimed in claim 8 wherein said actuator cylinder means extend above at least a portion of respective ones of said lifting beams.
 10. A spreader frame as claimed in claim 8 wherein said actuator cylinder means extend below at least a portion of respective ones of said lifting beams.
 11. A spreader frame as claimed in claim 8 wherein said actuator cylinder means extend through respective ones of said lifting beams.
 12. A spreader frame as claimed in claim 1 wherein one of said actuator cylinder means extends above at least a portion of one of said lifting beams and the other actuator cylinder means extends below at least a portion of the other of said lifting beams.
 13. A telescopic spreader frame for handling cargo containers of different lengths which have latch receiving receptacles in the upper corner portions thereof, comprising a hollow fixed outer center beam, a hollow intermediate beam telescoped in the center beam, a hollow inner beam telescoped in the intermediate beam, said beams being substantially coaxial, said intermediate and inner beams being extensible away from each other out of opposite ends of said center beam, an end beam secured adjacent the outer end of each of said intermediate and inner beams which extends laterally outwardly in opposite directions from each of said intermediate and inner beams, latching means adjacent each end of each end beam for engaging the respective latch receiving receptacles of a cargo container, actuator means connected to each of said intermediate and inner beams for selectively extending and retracting the latter beams to engage the latching means of the end beams with a cargo container of any one of a plurality of selected lengths, and means operatively connecting the inner ends of the intermediate and inner beams for increasing the controlled extensibility thereof by providing for a controlled separation of said inner ends to a predetermined axially spaced relation at full extension of the intermediate and inner beams.
 14. A spreader frame as claimed in claim 13 wherein transversely extending lifting beams are mounted from opposite end portions of the center beam, and lifting means connected to each lifting beam for elevating said spreader frame, said actuator means including first and second actuators, the first of which is connected to the the center beam and to the intermediate beam through one of said lifting beams, and the second of which is connected to the center beam and to the inner beam through the other of said lifting beams.
 15. In a van carrier vehicle having a horizontally extending U-shaped frame forming an open bay for embracing the load to be transported by the vehicle, a pair of transversely spaced hoist motors mounted upon opposite legs of the U-shaped frame in each end portion thereof, lifting arch means connecting the motors of each such pair of hoist motor means above the U-shaped frame for elevation therewith, a spreader frame embraced by the U-shaped frame and operatively connected to the lifting arch means for elevation therewith and with said hoist motor means and load lifting means depending from opposite end portions of the lifting frame, said spreader frame being movable downwardly with the lifting arch into a position atop container to be engaged wherein said lifting means are registrable in locking relation with upper portions of the container so that the container may be elevated within the U-shaped frame, a guide frame extending transversely through each end portion of the spreader frame and mounted in vertical guided relationship to the side frames of the U-shaped frame, and lost motion means connecting one side of each guide frame to the adjacent vehicle side frame such that lateral deflection of either vehicle side frame effects relative guided transverse movement between the said one side of the guide frame and the adjacent side frame, said lost motion means comprising shaft and sleeve means cOnnecting the one side of the guide frame to the one vehicle side frame, the sleeve and shaft being relatively axially movable to compensate for side frame deflection.
 16. Telescopic beam means comprising a hollow fixed outer center beam, a hollow intermediate beam telescoped in the center beam, a hollow inner beam telescoped in the intermediate beam, said intermediate and inner beams being extensible away from each other out of opposite ends of said center beam, actuator means for extending and retracting the intermediate and inner beams, and means operatively connecting the inner ends of the intermediate and inner beams for increasing extensibility of the beam assembly by permitting a controlled separation in an axial direction of said inner ends.
 17. Telescopic beam means as claimed in claim 16 wherein said last-mentioned means includes a beam end connected to one of the telescopic beams which is movable axially in relation to said one beam such that at full extension of the inner and intermediate beams said beam end is spaced axially from said one beam while engaging the inner end of the other beam.
 18. Telescopic beam means as claimed in claim 17 wherein the axial spacing of said last-mentioned means from said one beam decreases when the intermediate and inner beams are telescoped together, whereby to minimize the collapsed length of the beam means for a given full extended length thereof.
 19. Telescopic beam means as claimed in claim 16 wherein said last-mentioned means includes a floating beam end portion axially separable from the inner end of said one beam while being engageable with the inner end of the other beam at full extension of the inner and intermediate beams.
 20. Telescopic beam means as claimed in claim 19 wherein said floating beam end portion has a lost motion connection with said inner end of said one beam permitting such axial separation during extension of said inner and intermediate beams and closing said axial separation upon retraction of said latter beams.
 21. A telescopic spreader frame for handling cargo containers of different lengths which have latch receiving receptacles in the upper corner portions thereof, comprising a hollow fixed center beam, a hollow intermediate beam telescoped in the center beam, a hollow inner beam telescoped in the intermediate beam, said beams being substantially coaxial, said intermediate and inner beams being extensible away from each other out of opposite ends of said center beam, an end beam secured adjacent the outer end of each of said intermediate and inner beams which extends laterally outwardly in opposite directions from each of said intermediate and inner beams, latching means adjacent each end of each end beam for engaging the respective latch receiving receptacles of a cargo container, actuator means connected to each of said intermediate and inner beams for selectively extending and retracting the latter beams to engage the latching means of the end beams with a cargo container of any one of a plurality of selected lengths, and means operatively connecting the inner ends of the intermediate and inner beams for increasing extensibility of the beam assembly by permitting a controlled separation in an axial direction of said inner ends whereby at full extension of the inner and intermediate beams a floating beam end portion connected to one of the telescopic beams is movable axially in relation to said one beam such that at full extension of the inner and intermediate beams said floating beam end is spaced axially from said one beam.
 22. A spreader frame as claimed in claim 21 wherein said floating beam end engages the inner end of the other beam when it is spaced axially from said one beam.
 23. A telescopic spreader frame for handling cargo containers of different lengths which have latch receiving receptacles in the upper corner portions thereof, comprising a hollow fixed outer center beam, a hollow intermediate beam telescoped in the center beam, a hollow inner beam teleScoped in the intermediate beam, said beams being substantially coaxial, said intermediate and inner beams being extensible away from each other out of opposite ends of said center beam, an end beam secured adjacent the outer end of each of said intermediate and inner beams which extends laterally outwardly in opposite directions from each of said intermediate and inner beams, latching means adjacent each end of each end beam for engaging the respective latch receiving receptacles of a cargo container, actuator means connected to each of said intermediate and inner beams for selectively extending and retracting the latter beams to engage the latching means of the end beams with a cargo container of any one of a plurality of selected lengths, transversely extending lifting beams mounted from opposite end portions of the center beam, and lifting means connected to each lifting beam for elevating said spreader frame, said actuator means including first and second actuators, the first of which is connected to the center beam and to the intermediate beam through one of said lifting beams, and the other of which is connected to the center beam and to the inner beam through the other of said lifting beams. 